Graduation ceremony held for university students studying at West Suffolk College
A graduation ceremony for students enrolled on West Suffolk College's university studies programme was held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral today.
In all, 179 students graduated – with 45 claiming a first-class honours degree.
Family and friends were in attendance to watch.
The executive dean of university studies at West Suffolk College, Dr Elspeth Lees, said: “It’s always an incredibly emotional time to see our students proudly step up to receive their degrees amidst the backdrop of the iconic cathedral.
“A massive congratulations to everyone.”
Peter Hooper, 44 – a Colchester resident – was among those leaving the ceremony today with a first-class bachelor's degree. He studied integrative counselling.
Mr Hooper said: “When I realised I’d got a first it was emotional. I felt 35 years of self-doubt flake away.
“Going back into education was a big step. I finished school with two GCSEs in PE and art. I had a huge amount of self-doubt instilled in me at school – there was a lot of trauma in general, and that led me to want to become a counsellor.
“Prior to this degree, I worked in information technology for a large publishing firm, but the reason for change was because I wanted to know more about myself and I have a real interest in human nature.
“I met some good friends at university and I’ve achieved something that I never thought was possible – so there is a real sense of pride in that.
“I’m hoping that my children will feel the same sense of pride at my graduation ceremony.
“Since university, I’ve been rather busy. I’m just about to do some work on an IT project that will see me travel to different parts of the world, I’m helping set up a new fishing tackle shop with a friend and I’m involved in some paid counselling work.
“I’m also not ruling out further study.
“If I was to give some advice to my younger self, or others who are sat there reading this and thinking that they would like to do something different with their lives and careers, I’d say that you only have one life, and we have a choice to make in every direction we go in – and the choices that seem scary are sometimes the paths that we need to follow.”
Bury St Edmunds resident Ellie Parker, 21 – a Post Office worker – nabbed a first-class degree in business and management today.
She said: “I never thought university would be for me, as I’m such a home person, but I’m proud I did it and wouldn’t rule out further study in the future.
“I was recently awarded an academic excellence award. I am incredibly proud to be awarded this by the university, as I believe it has recognised my overall commitment to learning – the hard work paid off.
“I can’t wait to share my graduation moment with my partner and family, I have so much to thank them for – this degree is ours.
“This university for me was perfect and this will be a brilliant way to end the experience.”